[London, Ontario - Canada] On Friday, October 20, 2017, Rev. Father Mihai Cociu peacefully fell asleep in the Lord at age 63 after a year-long battle with cancer, with family by his side at University Hospital.

He was born in Nimaiesti, Bihor, Romania on September 9, 1954 and immigrated to Canada in April 2003. He served in the army in Romania and was discharged in 1975. He then attended the Theological Institute in Sibiu where he received his theological degree in 1979.

In 1979, Mihai Cociu married Rodica nee Iaru Cociu, and they raised three children.In February 1981, he was ordained as a Deacon and in September 1981 as a Priest. He served Dormition of the Mother of God Parish in Oradea, Bihor.

After immigrating to Canada, he was assigned to Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in London, Ontario, where he served from 2003 to the present.

He is the beloved husband of Preoteasa Rodica; loving father of Horatiu and his wife Oana, Diana and her husband Deacon Nicolae Bogdan, and Laurentiu; grandfather of Victor, Ariadna, and Cassian. He is lovingly remembered by his family and friends in Romania. He will be sadly missed by the parishioners of Holy Cross Church in London.

A wake service was held in the church on Saturday, October 21. The funeral was held at the church on Sunday afternoon, October 22, following the morning Divine Liturgy. Interment was at Woodland Cemetery followed by a memorial meal at the church.

His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel presided at the services assisted by many clergy who had gathered with Fr. Cociu's relatives, friends and parishioners for the parish's 30th Anniversary.